Cameron Irwin McIntosh was born in North Battleford on July 1, 1926 to Pearl Suzanne and Cameron Irwin McIntosh. He received all of his public school education in North Battleford, and his post high school education at the University of Saskatchewan and Ottawa.
Irwin McIntosh was a remarkably accomplished individual. Without doubt, the high point of his life was his appointment to the office of lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan by Prime Minister Trudeau on Feb. 16, 1978. As the Crown's representative for the province, Mr. McIntosh served ably and with distinction. After five years in office, he retired on June 15, 1983. In his closing remarks, Mr. McIntosh spoke with great emotion. He noted that the Crown emphasizes those things that unite us as a country, and that unity is of integral importance to the office. He also spoke of love and faith as the most important things that Canadians had to offer.
In addition to his distinguished tenure as lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan, Irwin McIntosh was very well-known as the editor and publisher of the News-Optimist. He joined his father's printing and publishing business in 1949. He became editor of the North Battleford News in 1951 which was renamed the News-Optimist in 1953. On the death of his father in 1971, he assumed the role of publisher-editor of the News-Optimist. He also founded the Western Outdoors magazine, the Saskatchewan Trapper magazine and acquired the Saskatchewan Ski Journal. Mr. McIntosh's involvement in the publishing business also included a number of years as president of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association.
Mr. McIntosh's role in government, and his involvement in the publishing industry, invested in him an image of high prominence. And, his record of community service was equally impressive. He was a member of the City of North Battleford's 75th anniversary organizing committee. He chaired the Table Mountain Regional Park Authority for a number of years. He was a member of the Battlefords Community Planning Commission. He was also a public school trustee for 16 years. In addition, he served variously as president of the Saskatchewan Junior Chamber of Commerce, the North Battleford Jaycees, the North Battleford Chamber of Commerce, the Battlefords Historical Society and the North Battleford Branch of the Saskatchewan Motor Club. Mr. McIntosh was also a member of the Northwest Tourist Association, a vice-president of the Canadian Junior Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the Canadian Ski Association, a zone director for the Saskatchewan Homecoming Committee and a member of the Saskatchewan Jubilee Committee. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Saskatchewan Diamond Jubilee and Centennial Corporation. Finally, Mr. McIntosh served his community as a member of the Rotary Club, K-40, the Elks, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Masonic Lodge.
Mr. McIntosh was a faithful member and strong supporter of his church, St. Andrew's Presbyterian. He served as an elder and was also an active committee member.
The greatest honour bestowed on Mr. McIntosh was his appointment as 15th lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan. Other prestigious awards included his investiture as Knight of Grace Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1978. He was also awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International in 1979.
Mr. McIntosh, as a husband and father, was a man with strong family values. He and his wife Barbara Lee were blessed with three children - a son, Bill, and daughters, Rebecca and Jean Ann. During the last days of his life, his family was by his side at St. Paul's Hospital.
Sadly, Mr. McIntosh died on Sept. 24, 1988. At the former lieutenant-governor's passing, Premier Grant Devine praised Irwin McIntosh as a "distinguished Saskatchewan citizen who served his province with pride and dignity whose contributions to the Battlefords area earned him the respect of all who knew him."
Irwin McIntosh was one of the most illustrious citizens in the history of our city. His appointment as the Queen's representative in our province gave him great status and prominence. In addition, one would be hard-pressed to find anyone able to match Mr. McIntosh's record of community service and volunteerism.
On the occasion of North Battleford's centennial, we must pause to consider the life of this exceptional man, and his selfless service to our province and country, and community. Indeed, we are indebted to this extraordinary citizen - Cameron Irwin McIntosh.
(Sources: Len Taylor, News-Optimist archives; Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan)
